GRECO SURVIVES SUICIDE ATTEMPT

While in an isolation cell at the CPDRC, the late vice-governor Greg Sanchez’s son Gregorio Sanchez Jr. slashed his wrist; sister says he was trying to catch their attention

The son of the late Cebu vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. tried to kill himself while detained in the isolation cell of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) last Tuesday night.

Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez reportedly attempted suicide by slashing his left wrist, saying he could no longer bear his situation inside the cramped isolation cell, said Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro, his wife. (Sanchez and Castro were married in Muslim rites.)

Castro said that several inmates, including Joavan Fernandez, the adopted son of Talisay City Councilor Socrates Fernandez, confirmed to her that Sanchez tried to commit suicide past 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Sanchez was rushed to the detention facility’s clinic, where his wounds were treated.

He was brought back to his cell on the advice of the CPDRC infirmary unit’s doctor.

CPDRC Assistant Jail Warden Audiste Miguel said that Sanchez’s self-inflicted wound “is only superficial and not life-threatening.”

Sanchez was placed in the cramped isolation cell as a penalty after the jail management reportedly seized mobile phones from him and Fernandez last month.

Jail officials also suspended their visiting privilege, but it was restored a few days later.

Castro said that Sanchez developed “suicidal” tendencies since the latter could no longer bear being in an isolated cell.

“I will prepare a motion to have my husband undergo a medical check-up and question why he is continuously placed in ‘bartolina’,” said Castro.

‘Manipulation’

Former Provincial Board member Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez believes that her brother, Greco, is trying to get their attention by committing suicide.

In a statement, Sanchez urged her brother to “learn his lessons well” and follow the CPDRC’s policies.

Sanchez said that if Greco had been placed in isolation because of misbehavior, then he should face his punishment.

But Sanchez also believes that her brother is being manipulated by other people for their own personal gain.

“He is subject to the selfish manipulations of other people, who care only for money,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she and her family provided enough support during Greco’s detention.

She disclosed that Greco’s partner, Kathy, has been in the CPDRC on a regular basis to ensure that her husband gets what he needs.

Sanchez’s counsel Jonah John Ungab, who also confirmed the latter’s attempt to end his life, was also reportedly prohibited from entering the jail yesterday because it was a holiday.

Sanchez is detained at the provincial jail while facing criminal cases for possession of unlicensed firearms and drug paraphernalia.

Prosecutor Liewellyn Bonghanoy had found evidence to charge Greco with violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Section 12 (possession of drugs paraphernalia), and Art. 2 of RA 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. /